Synopses & Reviews
This second volume in the Counterpoints Series, which explores issues in psychology, child development, linguistics, and neuroscience, focuses on alternative models of visual-spatial processing in human cognition. This text offers extended chapters from three of the most respected and recognized investigators in the field: Michel Denis, Margaret Intons-Peterson, and Philip Johnson-Laird. Denis considers the role of mental imagery in spatial cognition and topographical orientation; images are viewed as a form of mental representation that is similar to real-world objects. Intons-Peterson examines spatial representation in short-term, or working-memory, considering the relationship of visual-spatial processes to subjects' expectations and individual differences. Johnson-Laird approaches the issue of visual-spatial representation from a "mental models" perspective, considering the relationship of images to various cognitive events. The editors provide a historical and theoretical introduction; and a final chapter integrates the arguments of the chapters, offering ideas about new directions and new research designs.
Review
"This work will almost certainly serve as a source of research ideas for graduate students and faculty in cognitive psychology."--Choice
Synopsis
This text offers extended chapters from three of the most respected an d recognized investigators in the field: Michel Denis, Margaret Intons -Peterson, and Philip Johnson-Laird. Denis considers the role of menta l imagery in spatial cognition and topographical orientation; images a re viewed as a form of mental representation that is similar to real-w orld objects. Intons-Peterson examines spatial representation in short -term, or working-memory, considering the relationship of visual-spati al processes to subjects' expectations and individual differences. Joh nson-Laird approaches the issue of visual-spatial representation from a -mental models- perspective, considering the relationship of images to various cognitive events. The editors provide a historical and theo retical introduction; and a final chapter integrates the arguments of the chapters, offering ideas about new directions and new research des igns.
Table of Contents
Foreword
1. Visuospatial Cognition: An Historical and Theoretical Introduction, Manuel De Vega and Marc Marschark
2. Integrating the Components of Imagery, Margaret Jean Intons-Peterson
3. Images, Models, and Propositional Representations, Philip N. Johnson-Laird
4. Imagery and the Description of Spatial Configurations, Michel Denis
5. Representations of Visuospatial Cognition: A Discussion, Mauel De Vega, Marc Marschark, Margaret Jean Intons-Peterson, Philip N. Johnson-Laird, and Michel Denis
Index